Spawning Ground Surveyor Lead - Scientific Technician 3 - Non-Permanent - 2 Positions

Description

Number of Vacancies:
Two (2) Positions

Working Title:

Spawning Ground Surveyor Lead

Classification:
Scientific Technician 3

Job Status:
Full-Time/Non-Permanent

Appointment Length: 4 Months –October 1, 2026 – January 28, 2027

WDFW Program:
Fish Program – Fish Management

Duty Station:
Ridgefield, Washington – Clark County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Coho salmon – Photo Credit: WDFW

Step into a leadership role, guiding field operations focused on sampling and biological data collection for Chinook, steelhead, coho, and chum salmon in the Lower Columbia River.

Envision yourself overseeing and mentoring Fisheries Technicians in the field while collaborating with senior Biologists to refine sampling strategies that promote the long‑term recovery of fish populations.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position:

Senior Salmonid VSP Technician.

• Leads journey‑level technicians in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Leads and directs journey‑level technicians in the completion of required safety and job‑related training.
• Mentors journey‑level technician in the performance of the assigned duties that include the safe operation of non‑motorized pontoon rafts.
• Expected to be able to safely complete the most technical survey sections both hiking and rafting (Class III+ rapids).
• In conjunction with supervisor and Research Scientist develops and revises complex sampling protocols as needed and trains journey‑level technicians on implementing these protocols.
• Applies complex sampling protocols while conducting salmonid spawning ground surveys on Lower Columbia River tributaries to collect data needed to measure VSP parameters and generate accurate and precise adult salmonid abundance estimates. Must possess the knowledge, skills, and ability of protocols and procedures that allow for in‑field adjustments to survey protocol, sampling rates, or reach assignment.
• Leads and conducts adult spawning ground stream surveys.
• Identify and enumerate adult salmonids (live and dead) and redds. Collects biological data from live, and dead, adult fish and carcasses.

• Field data collection.
• Accurately record and/or proof data collected during field activities.
• Trains journey‑level technicians on correct use of e‑data capture equipment.
• Enter and proof data that has been collected into established spreadsheets and/or databases (e.g., Traps, Weirs, Surveys (TWS).
• Coordinates data quality control and assurance measures (Chinook and coho spawning ground survey projects for scale cards, DNA, landowner data entry, TWS proofing – missing headers).
• Trains and checks the work of others entering data from spawning ground stream survey.

• Approximately 80% of the time in a non‑office environment (fieldwork).
• Walking long distances through rough and heavily vegetated environments. Working outdoors in all weather conditions, and often with wet slippery footing. Must be able to lift (with or without assistance) large, live fish (typically up to 30 lbs)四 feet above the ground repetitively. Repetitively carry and move loads up to 70 pounds short distances over rough terrain. Walk in and along streams up to 6 miles per day under all weather conditions, including climbing up and down steep and slippery stream banks.
  
  Physical ability to board and disembark from vessels at a dock or from in‑situ settings such as a rocky beach in turbulent weather or storms. Safely and competently operate non‑motorized pontoon catarafts in whitewater conditions including class 3+ rapids. Must accurately record repetitive data under adverse environmental conditions for long work hours.
• Includes snorkeling in cold, fast‑flowing/whitewater conditions, walking over rough terrain in varying environmental conditions. Willingness to work alone in remote locations.
• A willingness to work long days, nights, weekends, and some holidays when fieldwork and/or other projects require it.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to…